Sappi and De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust Embark on US Tour to Save the Cheetah; Campaign is Global Partnership in Conservation and Education

Business Wire, July 16, 2004

LOS ANGELES -- Vanessa Bouwer, Assistant Director of the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust, tomorrow kicks off a global tour beginning with a 3 week tour of the U.S. to warn of the threat of cheetah extinction in South Africa and to educate the public, conservationists, and potential donors of the successful yet tenuous efforts to reinvigorate the cheetah population in South Africa.

Ms. Bouwer will be travelling from Los Angeles to Reno, Nevada; Denver; Houston; Chicago; Miami and Boston to build awareness for the endangered cheetah. During the tour, Ms. Bouwer is planning to appear at a variety of functions, from a Wild Cat Learning Experience in LA to private fundraisers and general zoo exhibitions to address the heartwrenching fight for the cheetah's survival. In many cities, the public will have the opportunity to view the endangered cheetah as well as other species of endangered North American wild cat.

Once the sacred companions of Pharaohs and Kings, the cheetah is facing many challenges in South and Southern Africa. It is estimated that less than 400 free-roaming cheetah survive in the farmlands of South Africa and approximately 600 are in captivity or protected reserves.

Sappi, the world's leader in fine coated paper with North American headquarters in Boston, Mass., has for many years supported and initiated many conservation, environmental and education initiatives within the communities of both its operations as well as academic institutions all over the world.

"As a Corporation, we recognize the vital need to not only support, but lead sustainable development programs that improve the environment and promote wildlife conservation," says Andre Oberholzer, Sappi Corporate Affairs Manager. "Our world is full of breathtaking, natural habitats and wild animals like the Cheetah, that we must ensure are here and thriving for future generations to enjoy."

Through funding of the Wild Cheetah Project, Sappi will enable the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust to expand operations and research in the farmlands -- not only to assist the cheetah in relocation to safe areas but to work towards solutions that will allow the cheetah to remain on the very land they now enjoy," said Ann van Dyk, Director, De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust. "In addition, the joint efforts of De Wildt and Sappi will encourage the youth of South Africa to become involved in the protection of our environments through the Educational Outreach Program that covers schools from large cities to the furthest rural communities. It is through this very program that the youth will experience the beauty of the Ambassadorial Cheetah, gain understanding of how a clean and healthy environment leads to an upliftment of mankind and to take the lessons learned into their home environment."

The De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust has led the way in conservation of the Cheetah and other endangered and threatened species since 1971 under the guidance of its founding Director, Ann van Dyk.

Sappi Fine Paper North America

Sappi Fine Paper North America is the pre-eminent manufacturer of coated fine paper in North America. The company is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with four paper mills located in Skowhegan and Westbrook, Maine; Muskegon, Michigan; and Cloquet, Minnesota. Sappi Fine Paper North America is a division of the global company, Sappi Limited, the world's largest producer of coated fine paper. To find out more, please visit our website at www.sappi.com.